Fierce Fall Fashion Events in San Diego

We expected Fashion’s Night Out to make all of San Diego stop and drool over haute fall looks on the runway, but we were not prepared for the SoCal blackout to shut down the entire city, including Fashion Valley’s premier event. Unfortunately Fashion’s Night Out will not be rescheduled, but locals can indulge in a stylish spread of fall fashion events.

From “Project Runway” inspired student designer competitions, to an appearance from fashion guru Tim Gunn, an artistic celebration of couture culture, and the return of our favorite indie shopping party, there is a great lineup of can’t-miss events happening throughout our city this fall. Whether you’re runway reviewing or pop-up boutique shopping, isn’t fashion always more fun with a cocktail in hand?

Calling all “Project Runway” fans, this event is for you. Project Ethos is a touring series that stops in metropolitan cities all across the nation. Project Ethos is back in San Diego on Thursday, September 15, making a new home at House of Blues. This stimulating, multifaceted event features a packed lineup of art, fashion, and musical entertainment. Most intriguing, there is a student designer showcase element to the event. Five top students from The Art Institute created one-of-a-kind garments, and they will compete for audience votes in a live runway show for a prize valued at $3,000. The event also features a “battle of the bands” style performance and art displays, all starting at 8pm.

Take this, blackout! Fashion Valley is making a big comeback at the end of the month with a runway show and open forum style Q&A hosted by the one and only Tim Gunn. This fashion industry powerhouse is the stern yet loveable “Project Runway” co-host, as well as Chief Creative Officer of Liz Claiborne Inc.. Also an author, Tim Gunn’s latest book, Gunn’s Golden Rules, rose to #5 on the New York Times bestseller list. Tim Gunn will head to Fashion Valley on Saturday, September 24 to host a fall fashion show with looks by Juicy Couture, Kate Spade New York and Lucky Brand. After the show, he will speak to guests about personal style and answer questions in an open discussion forum, all starting at 1pm.

The Timken Museum of Art believes in the power of fashion, and hosts an annual celebration of couture culture in which emerging designers create modern looks inspired by historic masterpieces. This year the 4th Annual Art of Fashion event takes place on Saturday, September 24 within the museum. Honorary Chair Zandra Rhodes and Co-chairs Joye Blount and Jessie J. Knight, Jr. have collaborated with graduate designers from the Fashion Careers College to produce 15 fashion-forward pieces inspired by classic paintings. The event begins with a VIP Preview Hour at 5:30pm, and is one of the museum’s main fundraisers.

Just in time for your fall fashion shopping spree, the THREAD Show is back in San Diego on Sunday, October 9 from 11am to 5pm at Horton Event Space. THREAD is every local shopper’s dream destination for one-of-a-kind fashion apparel and accessories hand-crafted by local independent designers. Beyond the stylish goodies, THREAD offers an irresistible atmosphere with runway fashion shows, a maze of mini boutiques, pop-up art galleries, multiple bars with flowing spirits, DJs and live performances, and a huge crowd of hipsters and serious shoppers.